Joint pain or not able to fully raise your arms? Here's why it can be shoulder osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis in the shoulder is a degenerative joint disease that mainly affects the elderly, however it can sometimes strike younger people. (Image: Canva)

Osteoarthritis in the shoulder is a degenerative joint disease that mainly affects the elderly; however, it can sometimes strike younger people due to trauma or other underlying problems. This condition significantly impacts a person's quality of life as it is characterised by a slow deterioration of cartilage in the shoulder joint, leading to discomfort, stiffness, and limited mobility.

Managing symptoms and halting the disease’s progression requires early detection and treatment. A thorough understanding of the signs, causes, and available treatments helps empower people to make well-informed decisions regarding their health, says Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director of Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Max Hospital, Vaishali.

Symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis

The symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis can vary in intensity and progression, but the most common signs include:

Pain: Shoulder OA typically manifests as pain initially. Deep in the joint, the pain is often felt and can worsen with movement or after periods of inactivity. The pain could eventually become unbearable and even interfere with sleep, says Dr Yadav.

Stiffness: Another symptom of shoulder OA is reduced range of motion. It may be difficult for someone to raise their arms above their heads or perform daily activities like combing their hair or reaching for items on a shelf.

Crepitus: As cartilage deteriorates and bones grind against one another, a grinding or clicking sensation known as crepitus may be experienced during shoulder motion.

Swelling: Inflammation can occasionally cause the shoulder joint to swell, leading to increased discomfort and limited movement.

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Causes of shoulder osteoarthritis

Several factors contribute to the development of shoulder osteoarthritis:

Age: As cartilage naturally deteriorates with age, there is an increased risk of developing shoulder OA.

Injury: Post-traumatic osteoarthritis can result from a history of shoulder injuries, including fractures and dislocations. Cartilage deterioration may occur more quickly in cases of joint damage.

Overuse: Overuse can lead to the development of OA as repetitive actions, particularly those involving heavy lifting or overhead tasks, can strain the shoulder joint.

Genetics: An individual's susceptibility to osteoarthritis may be increased if there is a family history of the condition.

Underlying conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases can raise the chance of developing osteoarthritis in the shoulder.

Treatment options for shoulder osteoarthritis

While shoulder osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve joint function:

Medications: Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), two over-the-counter pain medications, can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. Stronger drugs may be prescribed by doctors in more severe cases.

Physical therapy: The management of shoulder OA requires exercises that maintain range of motion, increase flexibility, and strengthen the shoulder muscles. A physical therapist can create an exercise regimen specifically for each person based on their needs.

Corticosteroid injections: When other treatments are unsuccessful, corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint may offer temporary relief from pain and inflammation.

Lifestyle changes: Reducing stress on your shoulder joint by avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking breaks during activities can be beneficial.

Surgery: Shoulder arthroscopy, joint resurfacing, or shoulder replacement are among the surgical options that may be considered if conservative measures do not alleviate the symptoms.